If you’ve been struck by a vehicle while walking, the aftermath can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. The McMahan Law Firm is dedicated to supporting victims of pedestrian accidents, working to bring them the justice and compensation they are entitled to under Tennessee law. Our experienced team of pedestrian accident lawyers in Chattanooga understands the complexities of these cases and is committed to advocating for the rights of injured pedestrians. With a deep understanding of local laws and a compassionate approach, we guide our clients through each step of the legal process, aiming to make it as stress-free as possible. When you’re dealing with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and the emotional trauma of your accident, our team is here to fight for you.
Looking for Help After Being Hit by a Car While Walking?
If you or a loved one have been injured as a pedestrian in Chattanooga, you have rights. The McMahan Law Firm is here to guide you through your legal options and help ensure that those responsible for your injuries are held accountable. Don't navigate this challenging time alone; reach out for experienced, compassionate legal advocacy.
We Make It Simple
Our law firm strives to make getting help as simple as possible. One call and our team will start reviewing your claim right away. With our help, finding out your legal options has never been easier.
You Deserve Compensation
Insurance companies will always try to pay as little as possible, and they use tactics to trick claimants into accepting less. We’re here to help make sure you get every dollar you need and deserve.
No Fees Unless We Win
Because our attorneys work on contingency, you will never pay any upfront fees. In fact, you don’t pay at all unless we win compensation for you.
Table of Contents
- Tennessee Law Protects Pedestrian Accident Victims
- Do You Have Grounds To File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
- What a Pedestrian Injury Settlement Covers
- Common Causes of Accidents With Pedestrians
- Beware of Insurance Adjusters: Don’t Leave Your Claim in Their Hands!
- Call Our Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists in Chattanooga, TN
Tennessee Law Protects Pedestrian Accident Victims
Did you know that Tennessee law allows individuals who were hit by a negligent driver to recover their losses through a pedestrian accident injury claim? Along with this option for legal recourse, there are a few other laws on the books that protect pedestrians in the Volunteer State.
One Tennessee law states that pedestrians must not start crossing the road on a red signal if it would disrupt vehicle traffic and should wait until it’s safe to cross (Tenn. Code § 55-8-110). This aims to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and drivers on the road. Tennessee also has laws in place that protect pedestrians’ right-of-way in crosswalks and require drivers to exercise due care when encountering pedestrians.
It is concerning to note that pedestrian fatalities in Chattanooga have been steadily increasing, with 2023 alone seeing at least 17 people killed while walking or biking in the street. This highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and following these laws to ensure the well-being of pedestrians and prevent accidents.
Do You Have Grounds To File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
During your free consultation with one of our pedestrian injury lawyers, the following questions will be considered to determine whether or not you have a legal claim and, if so, how much it may be worth:
Establishing negligence is the basis of all personal injury claims. Whether it involves a distracted driver or a city’s failure to maintain safe walkways, determining the liable party in your pedestrian accident case ensures that the right people are held accountable.
Comparative negligence also comes into play, allowing an injured party in Tennessee to seek compensation even if they bear some fault, as long as their share is less than 50%. However, if you do hold partial responsibility for your accident, awarded damages will be reduced proportionally to your degree of fault.
The deadline to file a pedestrian accident claim in Tennessee is 1 year from the date you were hit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is one of the shortest in the country. If you wait longer than a year, you will not be able to file a claim at all. Collecting evidence and building a case takes time, so it’s important to act quickly to preserve your right to compensation.
To have a valid claim, you must be able to provide evidence of damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages.
What a Pedestrian Injury Settlement Covers
The objective of pursuing compensation after an accident is to fully address both the immediate and long-term consequences of the incident on your life. This encompasses not just the financial burdens of the accident, but also the non-financial losses that can profoundly affect your well-being.
Financial Losses:
- Medical Expenses: A settlement can cover the cost of medical bills incurred due to the accident. This includes hospital visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatments required.
- Lost Income: If the accident caused you to miss work or resulted in a loss of earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you would have earned during that time or for your reduced future earning potential.
Non-Financial Losses:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation can be awarded for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and any resulting injuries. This includes both current and anticipated future pain and suffering.
- Emotional Distress: If the accident has caused emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you may be eligible for compensation for the psychological impact of the incident.
- Changes to Quality of Life: If your injuries have significantly impacted your ability to engage in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed, as well as affected your relationship with your spouse or partner, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life and the loss of companionship, support, or intimacy.
Remember, we are here to help you explore your legal options and understand what your case could be worth. Reach out for more information with a free consultation today.
Our Results Speak For Themselves!
Common Causes of Accidents With Pedestrians
Many pedestrian accidents in Chattanooga result from driver negligence. Some common causes include:
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for the current conditions.
- Failing to yield: Not giving the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections.
- Distracted driving: Engaging in activities that divert attention from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, or using navigation systems.
- Impaired driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that affects driving abilities.
Beware of Insurance Adjusters: Don’t Leave Your Claim in Their Hands!
Insurance companies frequently seek to minimize payouts in personal injury claims. Never sign anything, accept initial offers, or provide statements without legal counsel. To safeguard your interests, it is advisable to consult with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Chattanooga. They can provide guidance and advocate for you throughout the process.
Call Our Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists in Chattanooga, TN
At The McMahan Law Firm, our board-certified civil trial specialists have the skill and dedication to fight for the justice you deserve after a pedestrian accident in Chattanooga. Our legal team is committed to tirelessly advocating for your rights, ensuring that you receive the full and fair compensation you are rightfully entitled to. With our expertise in gathering compelling evidence and skillful negotiation with insurance companies, we will guide you through every step of the claims process, providing you with the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Rest assured, we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice on your behalf. Don’t wait to seek the help you need. Call us at (423) 265-1100 to schedule your complimentary consultation and let us fight for you.
What Our Clients are Saying About Us
Guys listen! My Attorneys Jill Crouch and Brent who run the place are the most proficient accident attorneys I've ever witnessed! No lie, I got awarded an amount bigger than a yearly salary from an 18 wheeler accident settlement through them!! (If you know, you know!) I get paid sometime this month! It took less than a year to settle and the ONLY reason it took that long was because the treatment was extensive and needed months to complete. If you're EVER in an accident in the state of Tennessee, MCMAHAN LAW FIRM NEEDS TO BE YOUR FIRST CALL AFTER THE AMBULANCE!!! THIS GROUP OF ATTORNEYS ARE CHANGING, SAVING AND REVIVING LIVES!! TRUE STORY!
-P.T.I just wanted to thank you for the all the hard work that the McMahan Law Firm has done for me. I appreciate your patience and determination, and of course your super skills in the courtroom. This has been life changing for me and my family, God bless all of you!! Thanks again and take care.
-W.J.I want to thank you again for representing me. The McMahan Law Firm is not only a good law firm; [the staff and lawyers] are good people as well. I would recommend you to a friend or enemy. Thank you again.
-G.W.Very impressed and thankful for the manner in which you do business… most certainly for the people… from greeting [me] at the door throughout all business handled. Please never fail to keep up the good work. Thanks again.
-L.P.Jay [is] a very good lawyer, and he was also concerned about my well-being. Janice was always there to answer any questions that we had.
-T.G.Your team makes the clients feel like their case is important no matter how small the case may be or how small the benefits may be.
-R.M.Julie Gee did an outstanding job for me and I greatly appreciate it. I would recommend her and the law firm to anyone. Thanks for everything.
-B.K.I want to thank each and every one involved in my case. I have no doubt I would not have succeeded on my own. I’m glad I listened to my sister advising me to use an attorney. The McMahan Law Firm is tops. Thanks again.
-S.C.I feel that the McMahan Law Firm put me first. I’m very satisfied with the results that I received from them, and I would recommend them to anyone. I thank you very much.
-B.C.Brent was always honest, thoughtful and understanding. We are grateful for the time you spent on us.
-R.D.